[The response below can also be found in this thread]
"Since February" is a keyword here because it tells us that we're dealing with a present perfect time frame.
- Incorrect: Since February, analysts predicted...
- Correct: Since February, analysts have been predicting...
This leaves us with A or D.
The significant split between A/D is
- A: Analysts have been predicting that the target will be raised (in the future)
- D: Analysts have been predicting that the target be raised (in the future)
A is better. A prediction is being made in the present (present perfect actually); the action predicted should be expressed in the future.
A is correct.
Use the Drill Engine to practice similar questions in timed drills; select topic="verb Tense" and difficulty="600-700" when setting up the drill. A much more detailed discussion and video solution can also be seen at
GMATPrep question 2045
Good luck,
-Patrick
